miniturization

willowgrove · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:31 am Post subject: miniturization

If I was to buy a jade plant that was already say, 30 cm or 1 ft tall, with leaves already 5+ cm, or 2+ in long, is it possible to make it a bonsai plant still? I would like it to have many more small leaves and look like a small tree, rather than a young plant. I would like the leaves to be equal to or less than 2.5 cm or 1 in. I that possible? Is it possible on other plants and shrubs as well, given they are young already and considered bonsai trees by some already?
thank you

amanda · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:36 pm Post subject: Re: miniturization

There are many varieties of Jade, and you can get one with smaller leaves to start with. I don't know how it would take to defoliation, which is what we do to get smaller leaves. I would guess it wouldn't like it at all, not being a tree but a succulent.

You should take a look at a few pictures of what people call "Bonsai Jade" plants, and see if you like it and think you can do it.

Stymie · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: miniturization

I grow a few Crassula arborescens, if that is what you mean by Jade. When leaves are removed and after pruning, smaller ones develop but they don't stay small in my experience. Repeat treatments may be necessary to keep things in proportion.

Dick · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: miniturization

There are some small leafed crassulas, but manytime one sees the "elephant foot bush" (portulacaria afra) used as a bonsai. It has the same growing characteristics of a crassula because they are both sedums.